THE Mel Brooks inspired production of The Producers brought the house down at the Royal Exchange Theatre.

This gloriously politically incorrect musical was a hit on Broadway, where I was lucky enough to see it at the St James Theatre in 2004.

It won many Tony Awards, but I wondered how it would go down over here?

When theatre producer, Max Bialystock suffers a string of failures, his downtrodden accountant, Leo Bloom, has an idea.

He could make more money staging dud than a hit.

The pair set out to find the worst script, worst director and worst actors so that they can produce the biggest flop in Broadway history making loads of lolly extracted from little old ladies.

They plump for Springtime for Adolf Hitler.

This musical within a musical sees director Roger de Bris turn it into an uproariously funny take on the Fuhrer. played by his unlikely self.

Julius d’Silva’s performance as the crooked, letch and scheming Max is as good as it comes especially when you add his rich singing voice.

He compares well with actor Brad Oscar, who played the role on Broadway.

Stuart Neal is the perfect foil to his Max. His naïve and mousy character, who later flourishes, makes for a winning combination.

You can’t have a glitzy show without a prominent female lead.

On this occasion, it is Emily-Mae as Ulla, a dancer who will attempt to seduce anyone in trousers.

Be prepared for anything in this unconventional production.

You will see little old ladies dancing on walking frames and dancing buffoons wearing lederhosen.

Up in the gods is a seven piece orchestra, without which, the show would have fallen.

Relax into the irony of it all and you will have a wonderful time.

*The Producers is at the Royal Exchange until Saturday, January 26. For tickets telephone the Box Office on 0161 833 9833. Star rating: * * * * *